Update on my 1961 hot rod tractor

[cruisnblue48 835]

I previously had another thread going when I started my hot rod project. But here now is an updated thread. I pulled what was left of a 1961 model 551 Wheel Horse out of a wooded lot about five years ago, May 2012... Craigslist find about 30 miles from my home...

 

 

Since then, I been working off and on rebuilding this tractor into a hot rod project. This past year, I completely disassembled the transaxle and replaced all internal bearings and seals.

 

Anyway, this is where I am now...

 

The frame and transaxle are now painted metallic black. The frame was "stretched" about 4". Custom items mounted so far include a go-kart racing steering wheel, quarter midget front wheels/tires, and aluminum rear wheel spacers for mounting Cragar rear wheels.

 

Just yesterday, I temporarily bolted on the seat, fenders and hood to check for fit and clearance before those items get a final coat of metallic red paint...

 

 

 

 

So, this project is now on the front burner and I am hoping to get more done to it in the coming weeks. Stay tuned...

 

 

Edited July 21, 2017 by cruisnblue48

[WHX?? 49,180]

Wow ....saweet!

I might as well be the one to ask....motor is going to be a ?

[cruisnblue48 835]

A couple years ago, I bought a new 6hp Predator engine at Harbor Freight. It's still in the box unopened. But since then, I had the framed stretched about 4". And now that I'm in the roller/assembly stage, I think there is plenty of space for a larger/higher hp engine. Still thinking about that 🤔

Edited July 21, 2017 by cruisnblue48

[Racinbob 11,236]

Now that there is some nice work.

[Notfishin 64]

LOVE IT 

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,014]

Looks good so far! Can't wait to see the finished product!

[ebinmaine 68,451]

That looks awesome !!

[oliver2-44 9,874]

I see a creative heavy weight on the front or a wheelie bar on the back!

[19richie66 17,523]

I'm game. Nice job so far. I remember when you started it. Good to someone able to get back to working on things. Hope I am not far behind.

[AMC RULES 37,134]

  Looking good so far.    

I see lots of room there for a high hp Kohler twin...

just sayin'...let'er rip.         

[squonk 41,380]

6 hours ago, WHX11 said:

Wow ....saweet!

I might as well be the one to ask....motor is going to be a ?

Easy bolt in! 

[Achto 27,816]

6 hours ago, cruisnblue48 said:

A couple years ago, I bought a new 6hp Predator engine at Harbor Freight. It's still in the box unopened. But since then, I had the framed stretched about 4". And now that I'm in the roller/assembly stage, I think there is plenty of space for a larger/higher hp engine. Still thinking about that

 

Great work!!!! I put a 6.5 Predator  on my Suburban 400, after I took it a part & did some internal upgrades. I had to put some wheelie bars on after almost flipping it over backwards. Big engine is cool in these lil things, gas cap touching your nose not so much.

[953 nut 55,856]

             I like the look of the big and little wheels!

4 hours ago, oliver2-44 said:

creative heavy weight on the front or a wheelie bar on the ba

[Big_Red_Fred 1,547]

You all aint humming , She thinks my tractor is Sexy are you 

[jay bee 909]

Too Cooool!!! 

 

Jim

[dells68 7,498]

Be careful!  That predator will carry the front wheels easier than you think, especially in third gear!

[Achto 27,816]

I can fully attest to that!! This wheelie is from moving the throttle from idle to wide open, no need to dump the clutch to get the front end in the air.  6.5 predator with a lil work done to it.

 

[WHX?? 49,180]

Now that ther just might be a calendar shot Dan! What say @cruisnblue48 ! He did do a little work on that motor tho!

Oh he said that

[Sarge 3,463]

Look at the weight difference between the iron Kohler and Tecchy engines in comparison to the aluminum replacements - herein lies the problem , about half the weight of the original engine ....

 

Sarge

[Electro12WH 50]

On ‎7‎/‎21‎/‎2017 at 8:32 AM, cruisnblue48 said:

 

So, this project is now on the front burner and I am hoping to get more done to it in the coming weeks. Stay tuned...

 

 

This is looking an awful lot like a Rat Rod build  that was on here some years ago. It had a blown engine and a high stick shift inspired by Daddy Roth. Oh yeah!

[squonk 41,380]

6 hours ago, Electro12WH said:

This is looking an awful lot like a Rat Rod build  that was on here some years ago. It had a blown engine and a high stick shift inspired by Daddy Roth. Oh yeah!

RATFINK! 

[AMC RULES 37,134]

Was thinking of that one too. 

 

[Electro12WH 50]

Yeah, I remember that one, too. But the other one was red and was jacked up high with a chrome front axle.

[19richie66 17,523]

This one? Wasn't that Horsefeather's?

Edited July 27, 2017 by 19richie66

[Electro12WH 50]

Yeah! That's it. Amazing build.